Apparatus for Aiding Installation of Carpet

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for aiding in the installation of carpet is provided. The apparatus can have a planar member with a cleat mat disposed on a bottom surface thereof, the cleat mat having a plurality of cleats extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the cleats can extend from the cleat mat at an angle. The apparatus can be configured to hold two pieces of carpet in place when being seamed together. The apparatus can also be configured to support or confine a tube of a dead-man carpet stretching tool. The apparatus can also be configured as an anchor for a dead-man carpet stretching tool.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to the field of carpet installation apparatuses, in particular, carpet gripping mats or plates for holding carpet pieces in place while seaming the pieces together, for preventing “dead-man” tubes from bowing during use and for “dead-man” anchor plates.

BACKGROUND

During installation of carpet, carpet pieces are stretched to provide a wrinkle-free and professional looking installation. Carpet pieces are often seamed together when installing carpet on large floor areas. When seaming stretched carpet pieces together, either with hot-glue or cold-glue techniques, the stretched carpet pieces can pull away from each other before the glued seam between the pieces has fully set or cured.

During installation of carpet, a “dead-man” anchor can be placed on a piece of carpet to provide an anchor for a carpet stretching tool, as well known to those skilled in the art. Such tools can use tubes to extend the distance from the anchor to where the tool is being used to stretch carpet away from the anchor. In the stretching process, considerable force can be applied by the tool to stretch the carpet from the anchor. In so doing, the tube can bow thereby limiting the force that can be effectively applied by the tool to stretch the carpet.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide an apparatuses for aiding the installation carpet, namely, carpet gripping mats to hold carpet pieces in place when seaming them together, to prevent dead-man tubes from bowing and to provide anchor plates for dead-man installation tools.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for aiding in the installation of is provided in the description herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a cleat mat having a plurality of cleats extending from a bottom surface thereof. In some embodiments, the cleats can be straight. In other embodiments, the cleats can be curved. In further embodiments, the cleats can extend from the mat at an angle. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a planar member having a pair of cleat mats on a bottom surface thereof with a seam area extending longitudinally therebetween. In some embodiments, the cleats can be angled towards the seam area. In other embodiments, the apparatus can comprise one or more observation ports disposed along the seam area. In this embodiment, the apparatus can function as a “carpet grabber” to keep two pieces of carpet together when they are being seamed or joined together.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise two planar members having cleats mats on bottom surfaces thereof, the planar members separated by an inverted channel member extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the cleats on the cleat mats can be angled away from the channel member. In this embodiment, the apparatus can be used as “tube support” for a dead-man carpet stretching tool wherein the tube of the tool is placed within the channel member as the planar members are placed on a carpet such that the cleats engage the carpet. As the tool is being used, the tube's tendency to bend or bow can be constrained by being inside the channel member. As the tube bends or bows, it can contact the channel member and impart a lateral force that can force the cleats of a planar member to dig deeper into the carpet and hold it in place thereby minimizing the bending or bowing of the tube.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a planar member with a cleat mat disposed on a bottom surface thereof, and a stop member extending substantially perpendicular from an edge of the planar member, the stop extending upwardly from a top surface of the planar member. In some embodiments, the cleats can be angled away from the stop member. The apparatus can be used alone or ganged together with one or more other planar members. In this embodiment, the apparatus can be used as a “dead-man anchor” for a dead-man carpet stretching tool. The apparatus can be placed on a carpet wherein the cleats can engage the carpet. The stop of the tool can be placed against the stop member of the apparatus. As the tool is being used to stretch carpet, the stop presses against the stop member and causes the cleats to dig deeper into the carpet and hold the apparatus in place, thereby acting as an anchor for the dead-man carpet stretching tool.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for aiding the installation of carpet, the apparatus comprising a planar member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface further comprising a plurality of cleats extending therefrom, the plurality of cleats disposed on the bottom surface in a spaced-apart configuration.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for aiding the installation of carpet, the apparatus comprising: a first planar member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface further comprising a first mat area, a second mat area and a seam area extending longitudinally therebetween; and a first cleat mat disposed on the first mat area, and a second cleat mat disposed on the second mat area, wherein each of the first and second cleat mats further comprise a plurality of cleats extending away from the bottom surface, the plurality of cleats disposed on the cleat mats in a spaced-apart configuration.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a support apparatus is provided for a dead-man carpet installation tool, the apparatus comprising: a first planar member and a second planar member, each of the planar members further comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; an inverted channel member disposed between and operatively coupling the first and second planar members to the channel member; and a cleat mat disposed on the bottom surfaces of each of the first and second mat areas, the cleat mats further comprising a plurality of cleats extending away from the bottom surface, the plurality of cleats disposed on the cleat mats in a spaced-apart configuration.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an anchor apparatus is provided for a dead-man carpet installation tool, the apparatus comprising: a planar member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface further comprising a mat area; a cleat mat disposed on the mat area, the cleat mat further comprising a plurality of cleats extending away from the bottom surface, the plurality of cleats disposed on the cleat mats in a spaced-apart configuration; and a stop member extending substantially perpendicular from an edge of the planar member, the stop member extending upwardly from the top surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan cut-away view depicting a first embodiment of an apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view depicting the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view depicting the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting the apparatus of FIG. 1 used in the seaming of carpet.

FIG. 5A is bottom plan view depicting a first embodiment of a cleat mat for use with an apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet.

FIG. 5B is an end elevation view depicting a pin of the cleat mat of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a side elevation view depicting the cleat of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 is an end elevation view depicting a second embodiment of an apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view depicting the apparatus of FIG. 6 used in the installation of carpet.

FIG. 8 is a top plan cut-away view depicting a third embodiment of an apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting the apparatus of FIG. 8 used in the installation of carpet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a first embodiment of an apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet is illustrated. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise planar member 14 having top surface 15 and bottom surface 17. Planar 14 can be comprised of a metal plate, of a piece of plywood, of composite material or any other functionally equivalent material as well known to those skilled in the art, or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, planar 14 is shown as being rectangular but can comprise any suitable shape as necessary or as required for a particular carpet installation. In some embodiments, bottom surface 17 can comprise mat areas 16 and 20 with seam area 18 extending longitudinally therebetween. In some embodiments, mat areas 16 and 20 can comprise cleat mats 10 disposed thereon.

In some embodiments, cleat mats 10 can comprise a plurality of cleats 12 disposed thereon. Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, cleats 12 can be disposed in a spaced-apart configuration. In some embodiments, cleats 12 can be arranged in a grid or matrix formation. Cleats 12 can be configured as pins or pin tips, as illustrated. In some embodiments, cleats 12 can be straight or curved, similar to a cat's claw. In some embodiments, cleats 12 can be angled relative to the bottom surface of cleat mat 10. In some embodiments, cleats 12 can be angled at approximately 60 to 70 degrees relative to the bottom surface of cleat mat 10. In some embodiments, cleat mat 10 can be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches with cleats 12 spaced approximately ⅝ to ¾ of an inch apart.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 4, in some embodiments, planar member 14 can comprise one or more observation ports 22 disposed therethrough from top surface 15 to bottom surface 17. Ports 22 can be disposed in seam area 18 between mat areas 16 and 20. Ports 22 can be used by a carpet installer to align the apparatus over seam 24 between two pieces of carpet 23, as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, cleats 12 of cleat mats 10 can be angled towards seam area 18. In operation, carpets pieces 23 can be stretched towards each other along seam 24 to be joined together using hot-glue or cold-glue techniques, as well known to those skilled in the art. Once carpet pieces 23 have been brought together and seamed, planar member 14 can be placed on top of carpet pieces wherein ports 22 are positioned along seam 24. With cleats 12 angled towards seam area 18, any tendency of carpet pieces 23 to pull away from each due to tension therein caused by stretching pieces 23 towards each other will cause cleats 12 to dig in deeper into carpet pieces 23 thereby holding carpet pieces 23 in place until the glue used to seem carpet pieces 23 has cured or set.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of an apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a pair of planar members 28, each comprising top surface 29 and bottom surface 31, and inverted channel member 30 disposed therebetween and operatively coupled to planar members 28 along edges 33 to form an omega-shaped member. While the illustrated embodiment shows channel member 30 as being rectangular-shaped, it is obvious that channel member 30 can comprise any functionally equivalent shape, such as semi-circular, triangular or polygonal. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise cleat mats 10 comprising cleats 12 disposed on bottom surfaces 31 of planar members 28. In some embodiments, cleats 12 can be angled away from channel member 30. In operation, the apparatus can be used with a dead-man carpet stretching tool, as well known to those skilled in the art. Channel member 30 can be placed over tube 32 of the carpet stretching tool wherein cleats 12 engage carpet 23. As the tool is being used to stretch carpet 23, tension in tube 32 can cause it to bend or bow. As shown in FIG. 6, force F in tube 32 can cause it to bend or bow within channel member 32. In so doing, force F can be imparted to the apparatus, wherein cleats 12 can dig in deeper into carpet 23 and thereby holding the apparatus in place and keeping tube 32 from bending or bowing excessively.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a third embodiment of an apparatus for aiding installation of carpet is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise planar member 34 that can be configured as a dead-man anchor plate. In some embodiments, planar member 34 can comprise top surface 40 and bottom surface 42, with cleat mat 10, having cleats 12 disposed thereon, disposed on bottom surface 42. In some embodiments, planar member 34 can be approximately 12 inches by 18 inches in area. In some embodiments, two or more planar members 34 can be ganged together to form a larger anchor. Referring to FIG. 9, for illustrative purposes only, four planar members 34 are shown ganged together to form an anchor of approximately 48 inches by 18 inches. In some embodiments, each planar member 34 can comprise stop member 36 disposed along edge 44, wherein stop member 36 can extend substantially perpendicular away from top surface 40. In some embodiments, cleats 12 can be configured on cleat mats 10 to point away from stop member 36. In operation, one or more planar members 34 can be placed on carpet 23 to provide an anchor for a dead-man carpet stretching tool such that stop 38 of dead-man carpet stretching tool can be placed against stop members 36. As the tool is operated to stretch carpet 23, force F can be imparted along tube 32 and through stop 38 to stop members 36. In so doing, force F can cause cleats 12 to dig deeper into carpet 23 causing planar members 34 to maintain their position and function as an anchor. In some embodiments, additional weights 46 can be placed on top of planar members 34 to provide additional means to hold planar members in place.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet, the apparatus comprising a planar member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface further comprising a plurality of cleats extending therefrom, the plurality of cleats disposed on the bottom surface in a spaced-apart configuration.
 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cleats extends from the bottom surface at an angle relative to the bottom surface.
 3. An apparatus for aiding the installation of carpet, the apparatus comprising: a) a first planar member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface further comprising a first mat area, a second mat area and a seam area extending longitudinally therebetween; and b) a first cleat mat disposed on the first mat area, and a second cleat mat disposed on the second mat area, wherein each of the first and second cleat mats further comprise a plurality of cleats extending away from the bottom surface, the plurality of cleats disposed on the cleat mats in a spaced-apart configuration.
 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of cleats extends from the cleat mats at an angle relative to the bottom surface.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein the plurality of cleats is angled towards the seam area.
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising at least one observation port disposed through the seam area of the first planar member between the first and second mat areas.
 7. A support apparatus for a dead-man carpet installation tool, the apparatus comprising: a) a first planar member and a second planar member, each of the planar members further comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; b) an inverted channel member disposed between and operatively coupling the first and second planar members to the channel member; and c) a cleat mat disposed on the bottom surfaces of each of the first and second mat areas, the cleat mats further comprising a plurality of cleats extending away from the bottom surface, the plurality of cleats disposed on the cleat mats in a spaced-apart configuration.
 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of cleats extends from the cleat mats at an angle relative to the bottom surface.
 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the plurality of cleats is angled away from the channel member.
 10. An anchor apparatus for a dead-man carpet installation tool, the apparatus comprising: a) a planar member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface further comprising a mat area; b) a cleat mat disposed on the mat area, the cleat mat further comprising a plurality of cleats extending away from the bottom surface, the plurality of cleats disposed on the cleat mats in a spaced-apart configuration; and c) a stop member extending substantially perpendicular from an edge of the planar member, the stop member extending upwardly from the top surface.
 11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of cleats extends from the cleat mat at an angle relative to the bottom surface.
 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the plurality of cleats is angled away from the stop member. 